Hanwood FC player-coach Anthony Agresta will use this weekend’s Real Juice Cup at Noe Santolin Oval to trial fringe players ahead of the 2015 Billabong Cup season.
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Hanwood FC have been drawn in pool A with West Griffith, Yenda and Yoogali Soccer Club, while pool B features Leeton United, Yoogali FC and Griffith City.
Games are nine a side and will be played in 20-minute halves before increasing to 30 minutes for the semi-finals and final.
Even though he won't be able to run his normal formation, Agresta said Hanwood FC would reap a lot of benefit from taking part.
“It gives us a chance to see a few guys,” he said.
“A lot of guys have been doing vintage, so it’s an opportunity for them to get minutes in their legs.
“It’s also a chance to trial a few of our fringe guys, give them an opportunity and see what they’re about.”
Hanwood FC have already had a couple of competitive hit-outs during the pre-season against Albury United (2-2) and Wodonga Diamonds (4-2).
Agresta has largely liked what he’s seen but is still figuring out what his best 11 is.
“I’m getting pretty close, but it's been a bit hard due to vintage,” Agresta said.
“There’s been guys missing here and there, but I’ve got a pretty good idea barring injury what our side is going to look like for round one.”
Yenda coach Rhys Jones is also honing in on his team for round one but is interested to see how his players perform at the Real Juice Cup.
“We know we’re in the group of death,” Jones said. “It’s probably the hardest group you could pick.
“But that’ll work to our advantage rather than having an easier group.
“The boys know they have to play at 100 per cent every game.
“There’s no slacking off for them.
“They want to win this.”
Jones said the reduced player numbers would throw up a few tactical challenges.
“It’s going to be hard to implement what you want to do during the season in nine a side,” he said.
“It’s just about giving the boys an extra five games, or however many they play.
“It’s the equivalent of playing one or two normal trial games, so you’re not losing any match fitness.
“It’s also a good opportunity for the boys to show everybody we won’t be making up the numbers this year.”
The competition starts on Saturday at 1pm with Hanwood FC taking on Yoogali SC, and West Griffith battling Yenda in pool A.
The final is scheduled for 4.30pm on Sunday.
